Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-08-11
THE SIXTEENTH MAINE
Regiment Celebrates the 25th Anuiver.
sary oflts Muster Into the Us. Ser.
vice-EIection of Officers.

Especial despatch to the kennebec Journal. |
GARDINER, Aug. 10.
The survivors Of the l6h Maine Regiment
met here this morning 10 celebrate the twen-
tyffth anniv er.ary of its muster into the U.
S. service.
On the l4th day of August, 1862, this reg;-
ment, one thousand strong, formed in line ON
the parade ground south of the State House,
and swore fellty to the United States gov
ernment. How nebly they kept their VOWS is
written upon the page of history.
The regiment left for the front in few
days. Ii was comnIanded by Col. Asa w
Wildes of Skowhegan. General Charles
W. Tilden, now OF Hsllowell. one
of the bravest officers that ever drew
sword, succeeded to the command soon after.
The regiment received its first baptism of
fire al Fredericksburg, where it distinguished
itself by most brilliant charge across the
bloody plains which skirts the heights, losing
in one hour, fitty-f per cent. in killed and
wounded OF the officers and men engaged.
At the battle of Gettysburg the first day,
nearly the entire regiment was killed,
wounded or captured only eight per cent. OF
the number engaged escaping. But four line
officers were left. On the second day of the
battle, when the regiment numbered but SO
men, single shell from the enemy exploded
in their midst killing and wounding one off
Ger and eight men.
At Weldon Railroad the regiment suff, red
loss of sixty-three per cent. of the number
engaged.
These engagements have been mentioned
participated in every great battle which the
Army of the Potomac fought from Dec.
1862, down to the close of the war.
Ge1. Tilden was captured twice but escaped
both times. Lieut.. Colonel Farnham went
through the war from 1861 to It's close un-
sc.thed, until the very last day fight. just
before Lees surrender, when he was shot
through the luugs. Major Leavitt was shot
young dashing Abner X Small, who seemed
to bear a charmed life, WAS captured and
held in Confinement long time
The total number of officers and
men who were killed in action,
died of wounds, missing in action,
and died of disease, was Al. Total number
of wounded, 266 Aggregate loss from all
causes including discharges, l,520.
As the ranks were depleted by death and
disease, new recruits were sent forward so
that the total number of officers and men who
served in this organic alton numbered about
2,200.
A quarter of a century has rolled by since
the day of their muster-in-an eventful period
and the survivors who participated in the
festivities OF today numbered only l07
THey are not the bright eyed, fairfaced boys
of twenty five years ago. Relentless time
has drawn deep lines in their faces. Their
hair is gray or white, and many carry empty
sleeves or hobbe on crutches.
Tue association met at G. A. r. hall and
was called to order at II A. NJ. by President
Warren. Routine business was transacted.
One interesting feature was the rising of each
member and the introduction of himself to
the association by calling out his name, COM
pany, rank and residence. Some of the in
Productions created great amusement.
At the meeting in the afternoon the follow
ing officers were elected for the ensuing
year:
Presideut-M. c. Wadsworth, G Glrdiner.
lst Vice President-J. NJ. Sherman, Lew
iston.
2nd Vice Presldent-Lt Frank Wiggin,
Bangor.
Secretary and Treasurer-L. Bradford,
Woodfords Corner.
Board of Dlrector.-Major S. Clifford
Belcher, Pennington; Chairman Jas. F..
| Malouey, Bangor; Sergeant Geo. H. Fisher,
West Winterport; Jas. A. Strout, Blddetord {;
Lieut. w. +. Mower, Green.
Col. Tilden reported the arrangements for
the Gettysbctg monument and submitted the
design. 1t was voted to approve the location
and adopt the design. 1t will be placed on
the extreme right of the lst corps position on
the Miamisburg road.
The next reunion will be held in Lewiston
the second Wednesday in August 1888.
In the business meeting of the 9th Maine
Battery, the following officers were elected
for the coming year:
President-G. T. Stevens, Oakland.
Wee President-Wm. II. Mason, Augusta.
Secretary and Treasurer-T. g. Neatly,
Lewiston.
1t was voted that the next reunion be held
at Oakland on the second Thursday of Au.
gust, 1888.
In the evening grand banquet was held
in the Coliseum, after which addresses were
made by Gov. Bodwell, Gen. Chamberlain,
Col Farnham and others.
Thursday the visitors will drive to Togus
and visit the National Soldiers Home.
Maine Central Institute.
PITrsFlELp. Aug. 10.
The following board of teachers has beer